No stance taken at UNLV on national anthem

The major topic of conversation throughout the NFL — whether to stand for the national anthem — hasn’t received nearly as much attention among UNLV football players.

And it isn’t expected to be an issue when the Rebels play San Jose State at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Sam Boyd Stadium because the teams typically don’t leave the locker room until after the anthem is sung because of how the pregame schedule is structured.

UNLV and Ohio State, however, were on the field at Ohio Stadium on Saturday during the anthem, and players from both teams stood. No one appeared to kneel or sit.

Rebels coach Tony Sanchez, a staunch supporter of the military and police, said one of his primary duties is to help his players become “critical thinkers” so they make their own decisions on issues.

“I’m not going to give opinions on whether you should or shouldn’t (stand),” Sanchez said. “I think that’s for everybody individually to decide upon. I know we appreciate the men and women who serve this nation every single day and all the police officers and the first responders and such. I think a lot of guys in the NFL do, too. I think everyone’s trying to figure out a messy situation and how to handle it best.”

Quarterback Armani Rogers indicated discussions in the locker room regarding the anthem haven’t caused disunity.

“We talk about it,” Rogers said. “Everybody has their own standpoint, and you respect everybody’s standpoint.”

The Rebels (1-2, 0-0 Mountain West) have plenty of other things on their minds as they get ready to play San Jose State (1-4, 0-1). The game, which will be televised on ESPNU, is an excellent opportunity for the Rebels to start strong in conference play and set themselves up for a potential postseason run.

UNLV is favored by 13 points over a Spartans team that lost 61-10 at home to Utah State on Saturday.

“There’s a stretch in that second quarter where five possessions in a row resulted in 31 points,” Sanchez said. “I told our guys Sunday, ‘Lightning’s not going to strike twice. Don’t count on that happening again.’ It was a very unique situation, so we have to do a really good job of taking care of ourselves, continuing to improve each week. As we build this program, these are big games as we continue to move forward with this group of guys.”

UNLV has injury concerns. Wide receiver Kendal Keys, center Zack Singer and kicker/punter Evan Pantels are dealing with leg and ankle injuries suffered in the 54-21 loss at No. 11 Ohio State. Sanchez said Keys and Pantels are questionable, and Singer is closer to doubtful.

Contact Mark Anderson at manderson@reviewjournal.com. Follow@markanderson65 on Twitter.